During spring break, Sudan High School’s debate team competed in Austin at the UIL CX Debate State Championship and placed second and third, earning a record-breaking achievement for the team’s competition history.
“Historically, the same school seldom gets two teams into the top six,” Jonathan Robertson, the team’s Academic Coach, said. “When they do, almost never do they both finish in the top three.” Emma Armstrong and Denise Gonzalez won second place and lost on a split 2-1 ballot in the championship round.
Garicyn Bigham and Jolie Dyck won third. The two lost to Armstrong and Gonzalez in the semifinal, also on a split 2-1 ballot.
“These four senior girls just cut through their competition like a hot knife through butter,” Robertson said. “ Around the state, people are looking at these results and knowing that the SHS debate is a force to be reckoned with.”
The competition comprised 48 2A debate teams that advanced to state. The top six teams are eligible to collect state points, which contribute to the academic team and speech team state sweepstakes awards. “We are so proud of them,” Robertson said. “Congratulations to the girls and everyone who has helped them in life or in school to reach these accomplishments.”